Your pre-workout nutrition choices play a critical role in bodybuilding success. Try these great foods to give yourself the right energy boost.
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Try Something Different and Get a Boost
Many bodybuilding gurus recommend eating anywhere from 90 minutes to 60 minutes before training. Lots of athletes opt for a protein shake, protein bar or maybe a tuna sandwich before training, but this gets old real fast. If you’re looking for something different, check out this list of best-tasting pre-workout foods.
Pre-workout meals are important…and they don’t have to be boring.
#1: Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
This was a favorite snack of Elvis Presley, and although you probably don’t want to have a physique like he did, this food combination tastes good and it’s healthy for you. Peanut butter contains lots of healthy fats and eight grams of protein per serving.
It’s best to choose lower-sugar and natural peanut butter options.
Bananas are loaded with potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A and C. Add two slices of whole-wheat bread and you’ll get extra fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin E.
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#2: Fruit and Greek Yogurt
This food combination is easy to make and it tastes great. You can mix bananas, strawberries, or blueberries with a variety of Greek-flavored yogurt. Again, choose the most natural option and opt for no added sugars.
The fruit will give you potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C, while the yogurt will give you 17 grams of protein per serving, calcium, Vitamin B-12, and 6 grams of carbohydrates to help you fuel your workout.
#3: Omelet-Based Meals
Omelets are a tasty, healthy way to fuel your workout. Just combine one or two whole eggs with two egg whites and mix it with some vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and green peppers. You’ll get 26 grams of protein, Vitamins B-12, and B-6, as well as some magnesium. Add a cup of oatmeal or a piece of fruit, and your pre-workout meal will be complete.
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#4: Whip Up a Smoothie
Smoothies are delicious and perfect as a pre-workout meal. Combine a scoop of your favorite protein powder with bananas, pineapples or berries, and add a teaspoon of peanut butter and you’ll have a filling, nutritious meal.
The protein powder will give you an adequate amount of protein, the fruit will give you carbs and the peanut butter gives you a source of healthy fats.
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#5: Wrap it Up
A tuna, chicken, or turkey wrap is another delicious way to fuel your workout. Add in lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers and you’ll have a meal that gives you enough energy and nutrients to get through your workout successfully.
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#6: Nuts and Fruit
A mixture of nuts and fruit (dried or fresh) is a quick and tasty pre-workout snack. You can choose to eat just almonds, peanuts, or walnuts or eat a variety of nuts in one serving. Fresh or dried fruit will make this pre-workout snack even tastier.
You’ll get protein, carbs, and a variety of vitamins and minerals with this healthy snack. The only caveat is to remember to eat this snack in the correct portions because nuts and dried fruit are dense in calories.
#7: Oatmeal: The Bodybuilder’s Favorite
Oatmeal is a very popular pre-workout food. Oatmeal by itself is not particularly delicious, but that is easy to remedy. Mix oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder, fruit, cinnamon or honey and you’ll have a tasty pre-workout treat.
Oatmeal contains four grams of fiber, 27 grams of carbohydrates and six grams of protein per serving. It also has Vitamins A and B-6, magnesium, calcium, and 77% of the daily recommended allowance of iron. If you add a scoop of protein powder you’ll really have a pre-workout meal that will help you make gains in the gym.
#8: Snack on an Energy Bar
There are many energy bars on the market that are nutritious and taste good. You can buy energy bars that are made with fruit and oats, peanut butter, or chocolate.
You can even make your own energy bar at home if you are concerned about nutrition, or just want to try unique flavor combinations.
#9: Tasty Pasta Salads
Mix pasta, chicken, and veggies for another tasty pre-workout meal. If you want a healthier meal go with wholewheat pasta. This will increase the protein content and add some needed B vitamins. You can swap the chicken with beef, tuna, or beans if you are looking for a different taste. This meal will provide you with ample amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
#10: Brown rice and Veggies
Brown rice is a great source of nutrition, and much healthier than the white alternative. Mix it up with some wholesome veggies to give yourself a different pre-workout snack.
Enjoy Your Meals…and Enjoy Your Workout
These foods will add zest and a change to an otherwise boring pre-workout meal. You have a variety of healthy choices that will satisfy your taste buds as well as your pre-workout nutrition needs. With these foods, you will enjoy your meals, and they will help you to enjoy your workout even more.
